Motion Sensors Circuits – 5 DIY Ways of Building a Motion Detector

Published on August 9, 2022 , Last modified on August 20, 2024
by Hommer Zhao
passive infrared sensor

There are several ways you can detect motion or movement. Some of them include vibrations, sounds, and infrared light.  Today, we’ll discuss one means of detection via an infrared sensor. Thus, we will learn how to make five motion sensor circuits and the steps involved in the five types of motion sensor circuits. 

PIR (Passive InfraRed) Human Movement Detector Circuit using Operational Amplifier

Our first practical application of a motion sensor in a circuit requires an op-amp. 

Motion detection circuit diagram using Op-amp

Motion detection circuit diagram using Op-amp

Circuit explanation

  • When there’s human IR radiation, the sensor will sense the radiation before immediately converting it into minute electrical pulses. Consequently, the collector goes low since the pulses trigger the transistor to start conducting.  
  • Then, we have IC 741 as the comparator, with pin2 as the sensing input and pin3 as the reference input. If the transistor’s collector goes low, pin2 potentiality decreases than pin3 potentiality. As a result, the IC’s output increases and triggers the relay driver stage comprising a different relay and BC547 transistor. 
  • Afterward, the relay will activate and turn on your connected alarm device. 
  • Lastly, the capacitor 100uF/25V ensures the relay is constantly on after the PIR deactivation due to the radiation source exiting. 

Note; Our PIR device above is difficult to optimize and very sensitive. So, you can enclose the sensor inside a Fresnel lens cover to stabilize its sensitivity and improve the detection radial range. Alternatively, use a readymade PIR module with enhancements. 

light collimation with Fresnel lens

(light collimation with Fresnel lens)

PIR Motion Detector and Security Alarm Circuit

Secondly, we have our second circuit that you can use as an anti-theft alarm circuit. 

Security alarm circuit 

Security alarm circuit 

From the diagram, you’ll only need a relay to configure externally, a transistor, and a single 1K resistor. Besides building it yourself, you can also buy a readymade version of the sensor.  

As for its 12V power supply, a 12V 1amp SMP circuit should be enough. 

  1. Motion Sensor Light Switch Circuit Diagram

The motion sensor light switch circuit works at night and during the day. Thus, it is ideal for security light and alarm use. 

Components needed 

Motion sensor light switch circuit 

Motion sensor light switch circuit 

Circuit explanation 

  • Since the required voltage ranges from 5V to 12V DC, you can use a 5V voltage regulator LM7805. 
  • Now, connect the sensor’s output with the base of the NPN transistor, the ground pin with negative DC supply, and the sensor’s VCC pin with 5V DC.
  • Next, apply a relay according to the input voltage to be able to connect any light. 
  • The sensor will have a low output with the transistor switched off if no motion occurs, causing no input transmission to the base terminal. However, when it detects motion, the work becomes high. Subsequently, the transistor receives a high input at its base terminal and switches on before activating the relay. Then, the LED you’ve connected to the relay will produce light.
  • It’s good to note that the sensor’s output is usually low after the duration of time you’ve set. Hence, the light or alarm connected to the really will automatically remain switched off a while later. 

Note; When only using an alarm, connect it directly with the power supply and transistor’s collector without using a relay. Additionally, you’ll not need the regulator, just a direct 5V power supply. 

  • The PIR sensor here consists of two presets; 
  • An adjustment of time delay with constant high output for some time and 
  • An adjustment of sensitivity

An Industrial Motion Sensor Circuits

Some components to use here include an IC, LDR, and other passive components. The circuit works by detecting the motion of a cylinder that illuminates the specific LEDs for the needed detection. 

BC557 transistor 

An industrial motion sensor circuit 

Circuit explanation

  • When you switch on the power, you reset the IC via the 0.1uF, enabling the green LED to illuminate first. At the same time, sensor-B (LDR2) and sensor-A (LDR1) get lights focused on them by relevant laser beams
  • LDR2 switches on the BC557 transistor, whereas LDR1 switches on the BC547 transistor and keeps them triggered. And so, the IC’s pin14 receives supply voltage from BC557. But, remember BC547 and LDR1 are also conducting. Therefore, the circuit grounds the potential, leading to a net potential of zero or logic low at pin14. 
BC557 transistor 

BC557 transistor 

Source; Wikimedia 

  • Then, while the cylinder is lowering and coming in front of LDR1, it elevates LDR1 resistance by blocking the beam and then shuts off BC547. Afterward, BC557 voltage hits pin14 and produces a forward sequence at the IC output. It then causes the red LED to illuminate and shuts off the green LED. 
  • The cylinder moves further downwards and blocks beams from reaching LDR2. So, the LDR2’s resistance lowers and stops the transistor’s conduction, causing the potential to be zero at pin14. IC only responds to positive pulses and, hence, isn’t affected. 
  • As the cylinder moves upwards in reversion, it unblocks LDR2, allowing it to receive the beam. Then, BC557 begins to conduct by releasing a positive pulse that hits pin 14 of the IC. Later on, the red LED shuts off while the green LED illuminates. 

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Build Simple Motion Detector Circuits using 555 

Lastly, we have a simple motion detector circuit using a 555 timer. 

Components needed

A simple circuit motion detector using a 555 timer 

A simple circuit motion detector using a 555 timer 

Circuit explanation

  • First, connect pins four and eight and pins six and two. 
  • Then, connect the voltage divider circuit’s output to pin six of the Integrated circuit. 
  • Next, use a 1uF capacitor to connect one of the voltage divider circuit’s resistors to output pin three via a resistor (100K). 
  • Apply a relay in the driver circuit between the positive terminal of the capacitor and pin two.
  • Also, connect the LED to the IC output via a current limiting resistor. 
  • The NPN transistor controls the output relay. Therefore, use a 1K resistor to connect it to the IC’s output pin three. 
  • Finally, connect the PNP transistor base that drives the switching relay to the IR sensor module output. 

Motion Sensor Applications

You can find motion sensors in the following applications;

  • Automatic doors,
  • Hand dryers,
  • Automated sinks/toilet flusher,
  • Security lighting,
home security light

(home security light)

  • Entryway lighting, 
  • Automatic ticket gates and 
  • Intruder alarms in homes, banks, shopping malls, and offices. 
house alarm

(house alarm)

Conclusion 

Briefly, a motion detection circuit senses the direction of motion of an object and gathers data regarding its velocity, acceleration, and position. The sensors are easy to build, and you can contact us for any inquiries.

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Hommer Zhao
Hi, I'm Hommer Zhao, the founder and Chief Editor at WellPCB. With extensive experience in the PCB industry, I oversee all content to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy and insight. We proudly serve over 4,000 customers globally. For inquiries or more information, don't hesitate to reach out. Your satisfaction is my top priority!